From speaking with them in the development of their own unique chocolates, which I can now announce as vanilla and lime, and gob smackingly gorgeous, we decided to help with the launch, to have a Wine, Cheese and Chocolate evening, along with a smattering of art and health related stalls, all within a beautiful Bistro called Forsters in the City Centre.
I had arrived the day before, to help ensure that I was not trying to push too much in to one day, with the bus, taxi and two train journey it involved, and after a bit of a struggle and the fact it was getting dark, I gave in and got them to co come and find me. We went back to their office within the College, for a much needed coffee and to meet the team.
I was then hit with my first real surprise of the visit, a calender made up for Inn Churches, whose umbrella Homeless Beanies sits, was shown to me and the first page has a dedication from the heart, to ME. Me, I say. I have never ever felt so humbled by the thought and sentiment of something.
Spent the rest of the evening helping, Emma from Elaborate Designs, keep calm, as she was showing her art off the next day to the public for the first time.
Got up in the morning to howling winds and torrential rain and a message from Sarah Wearing to say she definitely could not make the lunch as her little one was poorly and of course, trains were cancelled. (Good job I was guided to travel the previous day).
I had a 9 am appointment with a women who puts together a CD for those dying, as a lasting message for my daughter, arranged by the lovely Juli from Homeless Beanies, so a taxi was phoned for and a brave driver, risked the journey to the college, past flying roof slates. I thought I was emotionally prepared for the experience of putting together the CD, with a selection of 6 songs, pertinent to myself and my daughter and me talking about nice things in between. However, after introducing the first song, I was on my fifth tissue of literally hundred I would need in those two hours.
On to lunch to try and compose myself. Met with Lacuna Raven and her hubby, Juli, Emma and Mad Hatter himself for what was a fun filled two and half hour lunch, with glorious food from Forsters Bistro and even better company.
Right, now for the main event. 70 guests and volunteers, all desperate to find out this unique flavour and to get stuck in to my taste of Christmas and the AnjulaDevi range as well. The crowd was split in to 2 and I completed my first set of tastings, with a member of the Forsters staff doing the wine and a chef doing the cheese. All went well and everyone loved the new ranges, with numerous enquiries to buy (in fact, the Homeless Beanies chocolates were in high demand).
Quick stock up of the trays and away we go with the second round. Had just finished the Christmas flavour when I get a tap on the shoulder from Juli, who is standing there with the Archbishop of York, who had insisted to come and meet me in person. Juli took over the next part of the tasting, while myself and the Archbishop spoke and then he asked if he could pray for me and with me, right there at the side of the tasting table!! I can honestly say that when he held on to me, I could feel the presence that comes with his Office, and yet again, I was truly humbled.
Prayer finished just in time for the tasting of the Homeless Beanies chocolates, the first of which went to the Archbishop. I can say that he loved them and actually came back for more a little later, along with the poses for photo's from the gathered press and the wonderful Ben from Homeless Beanies.
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